(Photo provided) Bonnie Donnelly of Marietta signs her book: “Mr. Murphy, a Most Heavenly Cat,” Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Teri Ann’s on Front Street during First Friday.

First Friday, a monthly evening event to promote businesses hosted by Marietta Main Street, will be held Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. downtown, where shoppers can find specials, sales, pop-up performers and performers, and dinner specials at participating restaurants.

The first Friday in October is Farm Fresh and is sponsored by Peoples Bank.

Participating companies will pay tribute to the hardworking farmers with their window displays or specials.

The lawn at the Armory on Front Street will include Artsbridge, the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley and GoPacks with Kid Central and fun activities for children to enjoy. Also on the lawn are FFA groups, Luxury Parties and Picnics and Art Beat Studio and more.

Several companies are celebrating anniversaries on Friday, including Peoples Bank.

Benfield

The SIPS coffee truck will park on Second Street and join the celebration by serving a special Peoples Bank Drink for the occasion.

On Front Street, Teri Ann’s is celebrating its 63rd anniversary with a 20% off storewide sale and hosting local author Bonnie Donnelly, who will sign her book. “Mr. Murphy, a heavenly cat,” from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM “Mr. Murphy, a heavenly cat” is the true story that describes how the Turkish Angora cat came into her granddaughter Addison’s life after she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

First City Records on Front Street celebrates its first anniversary with alt-country artist Shawn Benfield from Beckley, W.Va. Shoppers can also enjoy special sales and hourly prize drawings throughout the evening.

A few doors down at First City Records, Clutch Collective will host live music with Gypsy River from 6 to 8 p.m. Next door, at Wit & Whimzy, the store hosts jewelery artist Jo June with her hand-painted jewelery and 10% discount on every farm-themed toy from the Whimzy Too children’s boutique.

At Dad’s Primitive Workbench, all clothing and jewelry are 50% off, and Halloween outfits for kids are 40% off. Marietta Makey celebrates the farming community by offering a discount on any item with the color green in it.

Donnelly

Sugar Maple Boutique is offering 15% off all regular priced merchandise. All fall and Halloween yard art at American Flags and Poles is 50% off.

On Second Street, Rockstar Wellness will host Worthington Produce and offer pumpkins for sale. Penny Pinchers is giving a free pumpkin carving kit with any purchase of $25 or more, while supplies last.

Among the participating restaurants is the Lafayette Hotel, offering dinner and cocktail specials.

At Over the Moon Pub and Pizza, a 16-inch Veggie Lovers Pizza is $20 and a pint of Wyndridge Imperial Pumpkin Cider is $5. The pizzeria will host musician Scott Shaull from 7 to 10 p.m.

Whit’s Frozen Custard will enter you into a drawing for a free quarter with every purchase of $10 or more. Wilky’s Sports Bar has a special for this evening.

June

Downtown First Fridays take place on the first Friday of the month from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Highlights include late shopping, artists and musicians, area organizations and activities that tie in with the theme.

Every First Friday is a celebration of the community and an opportunity for residents, tourists and groups to show their support for Marietta, have fun and enjoy the beauty of Marietta’s vibrant, historic downtown.

For more information about Marietta Main Street, events and programs, visit www.mariettamainstreet.org.

Shaul